Community Independence Day Fireworks Celebration

4th of July Fireworks 

 Community Independence Day Fireworks Celebration

Saturday, July 1, 6:30-10:30 p.m.

Rain date: Sunday, July 2

Langley High School

6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean, Va. 22101

Activities:

• Fireworks begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. and last about 22 minutes

• Gourmet Food Trucks

• Music played by DJ

• Giveaways

• Free Parking/Shuttles

• Limited parking onsite

Find out More: https://mcleancenter.org/events/community-independence-day-fireworks-celebration/?occurrence=2023-07-01

Bug Fest

May 27: Bug Fest
Calling all bug enthusiasts! Bug Fest is back and bigger than ever. Have a passion for the creepy-crawly creatures? This event is fun for the whole family and is designed to appeal to learners of all ages who love insects! Bug Fest will feature lots of exciting and creepy bug-themed programs, activities and demonstrations.Saturday, May 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lewinsville Historic House1659 Chain Bridge Road, McLean



Registration is required ($8 per person)Join an insect safari, explore live insects, observe insect collections, roll logs to find bugs, play in soil stations, go for a bug walk and even make your own bug! You can also use technology to explore the world of insects. For more information, visit the Park Authority activity webpage

Sunrise Senior Living’s new McLean village is now open to residents

Sunrise of McLean Village has officially opened.

Residents began moving into the new senior living community at 1515 Chain Bridge Road this week, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 27, Sunrise Senior Living announced May 10.

The facility can house 122 residents in 61 assisted living residences and 39 units for individuals with memory loss. It is Sunrise’s second community in the McLean area, joining an existing Sunrise of McLean in Odrick’s Corner that also provides short-term stays and hospice coordination.

Located on the edge of downtown McLean, the three-story, nearly 90,000-square-feet facility replaced the McLean Medical Building after the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors turned down Sunrise’s original proposal for a site on Kirby Road in 2017.

From Sunrise’s press release:

The building’s brick façade fits seamlessly into the surrounding area’s historic and traditional feel but brings a unique touch to the area with its large, picture windows and subtle modern design elements. Sunrise of McLean Village’s interiors were designed by Sunrise’s in-house design team that took every detail into account while designing the spaces. Using the natural light from the large windows, the common spaces are bright and stylishly decorated with curated furniture, built specifically for this community. Residents will enjoy the community’s sophisticated air paired with its cozy, home-like feel. A special piece of Sunrise of McLean Village’s design can be found along the interior walls which are lined with works from local artists and creators.

Sunrise of McLean Village offers several intentionally designed amenity spaces to promote activity and engagement throughout the community. These amenities include large common spaces like the dining room and the contemporary bistro, which will feature a bar for entertainment, social hours and events for residents and their families. Additional amenities will include a fitness center, library, two sunrooms, activity room, hair and nail salon and a massage room. A special element of the community is its emphasis on access to outdoor space. These amenities include five covered porches, a large outdoor terrace, two rooftop terraces, and a public-private heritage garden. This area will have sections for public use and a section for residents only. The garden will feature landscaping with native plants, benches as well as accessible walking paths. The community is pet-friendly so residents can look forward to enjoying this area with their own furry friend if they would like.

McLean Art Society: “Spring into Art” Show and Sale

McLean Art Society is thrilled to feature 25+ talented artists of the McLean Art Society at this year’s “Spring Into Art” Show and Sale on May 12–14 at Church of the Covenant in Arlington. With a wide variety of art genres on display —including oil, watercolor, pastel, and acrylic paintings, as well as sculptures, artists’ cards, and more— this show is the perfect place to find a unique and beautifully crafted gift for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day — or that special something to enhance a table, wall, or shelf at home — all while celebrating and supporting local artists.

McLean Art Society was founded in 1955 and continues to draw working artists, hobbyists, beginners, and connoisseurs who value how art can enhance life. The Society offers regular workshops and demonstrations by renowned local artists.

A reception will take place on Friday, May 12th from 5–8 pm, during which awards will be announced by Gavin Glakas, a nationally acclaimed portrait artist who will judge the works on exhibit. This event is free and open to the public.

The times of the show are as follows:

• Friday, May 12th, 5–8 pm (includes awards reception)

• Saturday, May 13th, 10–4 pm

• Sunday, May 14th, 10–2 pm

Location: Church of the Covenant is located at 2666 North Military Road, Arlington VA. To access parking, take the immediate right turn by the Church to go to the lower level leading to Exhibition Hall.InterestedReplyShare

MPA seeking submissions for MPAartfest

Exhibition Programming Policy

McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) is dedicated to presenting contemporary visual art. Quality of artwork, and the conceptual integrity of exhibition proposals (as well as the particular scope or focus of MPA’s exhibit schedule for that year) are the primary deciding factors in determining which artists are selected for exhibition.

MPAartfest 2023

McLean Project for the Arts currently seeks submissions for the 17th Annual MPAartfest, a one-day juried fine art and craft show and sale featuring the work of more than 40 local and regional visual artists. This year’s festival will take place on Sunday, October 1, 2023 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm in McLean Central Park. Artists retain 100 percent of in-park sales. MPAartfest 2023 is made possible with the help of the McLean Community Center, and our partnership with the Fairfax County Park Authority.

WHAT: MPAartfest 2023 Call for Submissions

WHO: Artists from across the mid-Atlantic region are encouraged to apply

WHEN: Early Application Deadline – May 20, 2023 ($300)
Deadline for Submissions – June 17, 2023 ($350)
Festival Date – October 1, 2023

WHERE: McLean Central Park; 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd; McLean, VA
Accepted artists will also be featured on the MPAartfest website

HOW: https://mpa.submittable.com/submit

MPA: Spring Solo Exhibitions

McLean Project for the Arts Spring Solo Exhibitions

April 13-June 10, 2023


Closing Exhibition Artist Talk: Thursday, June 8, 2023 at 7pm

Concerns: Sculpture by George Lorio
In George Lorio’s sculptures, tree-like forms are presented as metaphorical references to the possibility of healing and regeneration. Built from a combination of plywood armatures and found bark and twigs, the works exemplify a partnership between human effort and the natural world. Exuding a calm beauty, and both complexity and simplicity, these sculptures inspire a meditation on the necessity of valuing our environment.

Industry Standards: Works by Chris Combs
Chris Combs’ sculptures are made from reclaimed or surplus industrial components. Pulled together to both perform a task (of the artists’ making) and draw the viewer in aesthetically and technically, the pieces seem almost familiar and yet strangely new. While addressing themes of technology, surveillance and the destruction of the environment, Combs creates sculptures which are at once ominous and distinctly playful.

With My Face Against the Future: Paintings by Josh Whipkey
Josh Whipkey’s paintings explore anxiety from physical, experiential, and philosophical perspectives. His smaller abstractions are full of high frequency color and dynamic geometric lines and shapes. Energy is built both within the edges of each individual painting and in each painting’s relationship to another. The exhibit features both smaller works that are more compressed compositions to recent paintings that are larger, more spacious and leave room for thoughtful philosophical contemplation upon the nature of reality itself.

Visiting Our Galleries

The Emerson Gallery is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10am – 4pm.
The Atrium Gallery is available during McLean Community Center operating hours.

Learn more at https://mpaart.org/exhibitions/current-exhibitions/

MCC Governing Board Election

MCC Governing Board Election 

Absentee Voting Is Under Way





MCC Governing Board Election 
Absentee Voting Is Under Way


Fifteen District Residents Have Qualified to Run for Seats on McLean Community Center’s Governing Board
Three Adult, Two Teen Positions Available


McLean Community Center (MCC) has certified 15 Dranesville Small District 1A residents, five adults and 10 teens, to run for seats on the McLean Community Center Governing Board. The all-volunteer Board sets goals and aligns strategies for MCC programs and facilities, which include the Robert Ames Alden Theatre and the Old Firehouse Center.


Absentee Balloting
Absentee Balloting is under way. Residents may vote in person or by mail. To request a ballot for your household, you may fill out the online ballot request form, phone 703-744-9348 or email elections@mcleancenter.org. Absentee balloting ends on Wednesday, May 17, at 5 p.m. All absentee ballots must be received at MCC by 5 p.m. to be counted.



Community Open House: McLean Design Guidelines

A Community Open House for the McLean Design Guidelines will be held on Tuesday, May 2 at The Signet (6900 Fleetwood Road, McLean).  McLean residents and property owners are encouraged to stop by from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to learn more about the latest draft of the Guidelines, ask questions, and share feedback. There are no formal presentations but expect to spend about 30-60 minutes walking through the displays and talking with staff.
Last year, Fairfax County began the process to update the Design Guidelines for McLean’s Community Business Center (CBC). The Guidelines will provide design direction to property owners when they redevelop properties in McLean. They will describe how streetscapes, landscaping, building features, parks, and plazas should be designed to enhance the appearance of the community and to ensure that all projects work well together.  Based on community feedback provided at the kick-off workshop last spring, the Guidelines are being written to communicate community desires for a walkable, small-town feel with brick sidewalks, street trees, outdoor cafes, lively park spaces, and lush landscaping.  Review the draft Design Guidelines; Share feedback through the online survey and comment page The review and comment period for the draft Design Guidelines will close on Sunday, May 14. All community input will be reviewed by staff to inform any additional changes. The draft is anticipated to be finalized this summer. Then, the Design Guidelines will be presented to the Board of Supervisors for their endorsement.  The Guidelines are a crucial step in communicating the urban design vision for the area as described in the McLean CBC Comprehensive Plan, adopted in the fall of 2021.  Parking for the Open House is available at The Signet and on the street. Learn more about this effort and get the latest details: fcrevite.org/mclean/design-guidelines.  For more information contact Ben Wiles in my office at Benjamin.Wiles@fairfaxcounty.gov or (703) 356-0551 if you have any questions or comments. 

Arbor Day Cherry Tree Planting: Volunteers needed





The Tysons Community Alliance (TCA), the nonprofit community improvement organization formed to replace the Tysons Partnership, has partnered with the National Cherry Blossom Festival to obtain and plant 17 cherry trees around the urban center.

The trees will be planted at Tysons Corner Center and Scotts Run this Friday (April 28), which is not coincidentally also Arbor Day.

About 50 volunteers are needed for the plantings, according to the TCA. They can participate in one or both of the two scheduled shifts:

Shift 1
Location: Scotts Run, 1651 Old Meadow Rd, Tysons, VA, 22102
Volunteer arrival time: 7:30 a.m.
Training session: 7:45 a.m.
Planting begins: 8 a.m.
Shift 2
Location: I-495 pedestrian bridge (Tysons Corner Center side)
Volunteer arrival time: 11:30 a.m.
Training session: 11:45 a.m.
Planting begins: noon
An official ceremony to celebrate the plantings is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Scotts Run trailhead.


The Arbor Day event extends a collaboration between the TCA and the festival that began earlier this month with the first annual “Pedal with Petals” family bicycle ride. The partnership was announced at the alliance’s official launch in February.

Held from March 20 to April 14 this year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival works with the nonprofit Casey Trees to plant trees around the D.C. area. The TCA will be responsible for maintaining the new trees in Tysons going forward, according to a spokesperson.

Sensory Day: Autism Awareness Event

Challenge your senses at the Old Firehouse! This unique and fun event supporting Autism Awareness Month will provide ALL who attend a sensory exploration through taste, smell, sound, sight and touch. This event is free and open to ALL.

Saturday, April 29, 12pm-4pm

Activity No: 4707.323

Free for all participants

Preregistration recommended

https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/mcleancommunitycenter/activity/search/detail/10288?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true